Algebuckina Waterhole sits about halfway along the Oodnadatta Track and makes for a decent campsite if you want to be near water. The Algebuckina Bridge campsite across the road is the more popular option but the waterhole campsite is more than worthy of consideration.

Algebuckina Waterhole (The Peake) Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

This is on the opposite side of the Oodnadatta Track to the Algebuckina Bridge. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Pet Friendly: Yes
Location: -27.897280°, 135.821374°
Distance From Marree: 349km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 58km
Distance From Marla: 312km

Algebuckina Waterhole (The Peake) Campsite On Google Earth

Getting Into The Algebuckina Waterhole Campsite

Turn east off the main track, opposite the bridge turnoff. Go through the first gate (close it behind you) and follow the track left before the second gate. Takes you down to the waterhole. Track’s not too rough but you’ll want 4WD especially if it’s been wet. There’s room to turn around at the end. Last time Amanda and I were there we managed to pick up a puncture on the caravan on our way out. It looked to be caused by a thin flinty looking rock that was very sharp – the hole was easily plugged at the next campsite.

Jayco All Terrain Algebuckina Waterhole Flat Bloody Tyre

The Algebuckina Waterhole Campsite

Best spots are right on the bank. Water views and you can see the bridge. Usually pretty quiet – sometimes you’ll have it to yourself other times there might be a few other campers around. Lots of birds, pelicans, cormorants – all the usual suspects. We heard dingoes once during the night but they stayed well away and we never saw them.

Practicalities

• Water’s swimmable but muddy. Bottom’s pretty soft and squishy. Refreshing on a hot day though.
• Fires are okay but bring your own wood – there’s bugger all lying around. Use the existing fire pits if you can.
• Room for maybe 4-5 vans along the water – more if you go back a bit. Track can be narrow in spots so watch for oncoming traffic. Soft ground – easier to reverse in than try turning around for some spots.

What To Bring

• Everything. No facilities at all. Water, food, rubbish bags.
• Fly nets are essential when the wind drops. Mosquitoes can be bad depending on the season.
• Close gates behind you.
• If you want to have a fires bring your own firewood.
• Worth exploring past the obvious camping area – some quieter spots further in.

Bottom Line

Algebuckina Waterhole (The Peake) is a good spot for a night or two. It’s quiet with lots of birds around. There’s also bit of history nearby with the bridge. Come prepared for flies and mozzies.

The Bridge Ruins Campsite at Callana is a great overnight stop on the Oodnadatta Track. If you’ve just left Marree after travelling up from South and have had a long day then this is a great place for you to camp up for the night. Alternatively if you’ve all but finished travelling the Oodnadatta track from the northern end and are looking for one more night on the track then the Bridge Ruins are your best bet as well.

About The Bridge At The Bridge Ruins Campsite On The Oodnadatta Track

Google Maps has the bridge name listed as “Wangianna creek Railway Bridge” however I am happy to stand corrected. The Bridge Ruins campsite near Callana Siding is located approximately 34 kilometers from Marree. This free campsite is of historical interest with some remains of the Old Ghan railway line that once connected Port Augusta to Alice Springs.

Bridge Ruins Campsite On Google Earth

Bridge Ruins Campsite At Callana Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.650705°, 137.716823°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 14km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 371km
Distance From Marla: 625km

What You’ll Find Here

The Callana Siding area contains several abandoned bits of railway infrastructure including a water tower and pipe that remain from the operational period of the Old Ghan. While less extensive than other sites such as Algebuckina these abandoned pieces are still cool to look at and explore.

What You Need To Know About Camping At Bridge Ruins Campsite On The Oodnadatta Track

• The campsite is about 50 metres south of the former railway crossing point.
• The area has just enough room for two to three caravans.
• Access includes adequate turning space for caravans.
• Some visitors with four-wheel drive vehicles and no caravan utilise the embankment area for additional camping spaces away from the main track.

The location gives a quiet camping environment with minimal traffic disturbance. You can expect clear views for sunrise and sunset viewing. The site has absolutely zero facilities. There’s plenty of local wildlife (birds) including fairy wrens and pipits. And flies, there’ll probably be quite a few flies.

Ground conditions can sometimes be soft. It might be a better option to reverse into position instead of going in nose first. The site does give good shelter from strong winds.

Bridge Ruins Campsite On The Oodnadatta Track

Summary

Bridge Ruins Camp Site suits travelers seeking an easy overnight stop near the Marree end of the Oodnadatta Track. You should exercise caution when accessing the site when towing a caravan. The location represents typical outback camping conditions – no amenities with scenic surroundings!

Oolarinna Creek has a free camp site. It’s a remote bush camping area on the Oodnadatta Track. It’s quite a popular free camp site. It’s remote and generally very quiet. It’s pet friendly.

Oolarinna Creek Camp Site Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.162411°, 134.621032°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 503km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 98km
Distance From Marla: 156km

Oolarinna Creek Camp Site Location

• Region: Outback South Australia
• Track: Oodnadatta Track
• Nearest Major Town: Approximately 980km northwest of Adelaide
• Access: Suitable for camper trailers, caravans and tents.

Free Camping On The Oodnadatta Track

Facilities & Site Features

• Type: Free campground
• Space: Large, open and flat. Suitable for various setups
• Amenities:
  • No formal facilities or amenities (no toilets, showers, water or power)
  • No defined camp sites – camping is beside the creek just pick your spot
• Best For: Self contained campers

Camping Experience

• Atmosphere: Quiet with little traffic or noise. You’re gonna get picturesque outback scenery
• Shade: There are lots of trees around and a lot of low scrubby bushes
• Fees: Free

Practical Information About Oolarinna Creek

Tips

• Bring rubbish bags – leave no trace.
• Be prepared for remote conditions: there is minimal shade and no phone reception.
• Oolarinna Creek is an awesome overnight camping spot on the Oodnadatta Track but requires you to be well prepared and self reliant.

Oolarinna Creek Camp Site Google Maps Image

Summary

Oolarinna Creek Camp Site is a free, remote bush camping spot located along the Oodnadatta Track in the outback of South Australia. It has flat open camping areas with little shade or privacy and no facilities. It’s suitable for self sufficient and well prepared campers. Access by 4WD, caravans or camper trailers.

Gregory Creek is a free campsite located on the Oodnadatta Track in outback South Australia. It’s right alongside the old Ghan railway line and surrounded by Oodnadatta Track red dirt scenery.

Gregory Creek Free Camp Site Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.564041°, 137.334957°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 74km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 332km
Distance From Marla: 586km

Getting There

You can get to Gregory Creek from either Marree or Oodnadatta. The road is unsealed gravel but it’s but usually in good enough condition when dry. All bets are off if it’s wet. A 4WD is strongly recommended but but you can try your luck in a 2WD vehicle in dry weather.

Facilities

• Fire pits (homemade jobs by previous campers)
• Offroad Caravans
• Camper Trailers
• Tents and Swags

Note: There is no drinking water or showers. Bring everything you need with you.

Gregory Creek Campfire On The Oodnadatta Track

Camp Fires

Campfires are allowed. There was no firewood around when we camped there so bring it with you. Don’t be a flog and cut down existing trees – what looks like a dead tree is just a dormant tree and will come back to life but it won’t if some moron has burned it.

Best Time to Visit

The cooler months from May to September are best. Summer temperatures can be extreme. Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology to see if rain is on the way as wet weather can close the Oodnadatta Track.

Nearby Attractions

• Old Ghan railway ruins and bridges
• Curdimurka Siding
• Algebuckina Bridge
• Mound springs

Quick Summary Of Gregory Creek Free Camp Site

Conclusion: Gregory Creek Free Camp Site

Gregory Creek is an awesome camping stop along the Oodnadatta Track. It’s simple, quiet and free – in other words just the way we like it. We’ve stayed there before and we will stay there again!

Alberrie Creek Bridge is a remote free camp site on the Oodnadatta Track in northern South Australia. It’s a popular free camping spot. There are no amenities of any sort so make sure you’re prepared for bush camping are self sufficient.

Alberrie Creek Bridge Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Pet Friendly: Yes
Location: -29.647019°, 137.639436°
Distance From Marree: 42km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 363km
Distance From Marla: 617km

Alberrie Creek Bridge Campsite On Oodnadatta Track

Location And Surroundings

Alberrie Creek Bridge is situated roughly halfway along the Oodnadatta Track making it an awesome place to stop and camp up for the night. The landscape is your usual Oodnadatta Track vast plains and red dirt. Free Camping At Alberrie creek Bridge on the Oodnadatta Track is a classic outback experience.

Alberrie Creek Bridge Camp Site Facilities

There are no facilities on site. You need to bring all of your own supplies including water. What firewood was once available has long since been scavenged and used so if you want to have a campfire you’ll need to bring your own wood. Make sure you take all of your rubbish with you – do the right thing to help keep the area clean.

Nearby Points of Interest

The nearest “town” is William Creek which has fuel, basic supplies and a ripper of a pub. Further along the track heading towards Oodnadatta the Algebuckina Bridge – another very popular free camping location on the Oodnadatta Track.

William Creek Hotel

It’s On The Oodnadatta Track

• The Oodnadatta Track is a famous 620 km unsealed outback road stretching from Marree in the south to Marla in the north. It closely follows the path of the old Ghan Railway and the Overland Telegraph Line.
• Sites along the track include historic railway bridges, telegraph relics and remains of old abandoned settlements.

Key Features Of Alberrie Creek Bridge

• Location: About halfway along the Oodnadatta Track makes it a practical free camping spot.
• No Facilities: There are no toilets, water or amenities on site. Come prepared.
• Surroundings: The bridge is set in a classic outback landscape. You’ve got your typical open gibber plains and red dirt.
• Close To William Creek: Alberrie Creek is not far from William Creek.

Summary

This is a basic remote camp site on the Oodnadatta Track. With no facilities on site you have to be prepared and self sufficient.